Tesla Veteran Building Ford’s Next EV Platform | The $30K Electric Truck Explained
About this episode
Allen Clark, Ford's Executive Director of Advanced EV Development and former Tesla engineer, shares insights on leading Ford's new universal EV platform. He discusses his transition from Tesla to Ford, motivated by the desire to create meaningful change and build affordable, exciting electric vehicles. The conversation covers the strategic move to Long Beach for talent access, the challenges of EV development, and the influence of industry veterans like Doug Field. Clark also reflects on his early Tesla projects and the evolving EV landscape, highlighting Ford's commitment to innovation and practical vehicle production.
Alan Clarke spent over a decade at Tesla — working on Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, and even Tesla’s battery swap program. Now he’s Ford’s Executive Director of Advanced EV Development — leading the Ford Universal EV Platform and the upcoming affordable midsize electric pickup targeting ~$30,000 and 300 miles of range.
Advanced EV Development
"He's the executive director of Advanced EV Development at Ford Motor Company."
Advanced EV Development means working on making electric cars better and more efficient with new technology.
Advanced EV Development refers to the research and engineering efforts focused on improving electric vehicle technologies, including batteries, motors, and software.
Ford Motor Company
"Executive director, Advanced EV Development for Ford Motor Company."
Ford is a big car company from America that makes many types of cars and trucks. They are working on new electric cars that run on batteries instead of gas.
Ford Motor Company is a major American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles including trucks, SUVs, and electric vehicles. They have been investing heavily in advanced electric vehicle development.
MC20
"...t 19 bucks a share and like a GT3, a Maserati, a MC20. That's the third question."
The MC20 is a very fast and fancy sports car made by Maserati. It’s designed to be exciting to drive and looks great.
The Maserati MC20 is a high-performance sports car that marks Maserati’s return to supercar production, featuring advanced engineering and Italian design flair.
Tesla Model X
"And, you know, I worked on model X under him as well."
The Tesla Model X is a big electric SUV with special doors that open up like wings. It has lots of space and runs only on electricity.
The Tesla Model X is an all-electric mid-size luxury SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors, spacious interior, and strong electric performance. It is part of Tesla's lineup of electric vehicles and offers advanced features and long range.
Project Titan
"And then this is product Titan as we call it. Who knows what Apple called it, but at the time, I didn't know what it was called. But it probably is what it was. Apple car. Yeah. The second time I talked to him, I just said, you know, I think if you can tell me when you're going to ship and that you're definitely going to ship, we should keep talking. But if not, you know, I don't think this is for me. How did you know that they may not ship? That's that's the part, like, because I remember when the plug was pulled on the Apple car, whatever it was, Project Titan, it seemed like just like a split second"
Project Titan is the name Apple uses for their car project. They are working on making a car or car technology, but it is not officially announced yet.
Project Titan is the codename for Apple's secretive automotive project, which is rumored to involve developing an Apple-branded electric vehicle or autonomous car technology.
electric vehicles (EVs)
"how hard it is to make EVs, what it takes to make EVs, the talent to make EVs that are, you know, different than what we were making before."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They use big batteries to store power and drive the motor.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars powered entirely or partially by electric motors using energy stored in batteries, rather than traditional internal combustion engines.
Ford Maverick
"...-sized truck. I imagine a little bit bigger than Maverick, maybe similar to Ranger, maybe a little smaller..."
The Ford Maverick is a small truck that’s easy to drive like a car but can still carry stuff in its back. It’s good if you want a truck but don’t need a big one.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck introduced as a smaller, more affordable alternative to traditional trucks like the Ford Ranger. It offers car-like handling with the utility of a truck bed, making it popular for urban and light-duty use.
Ford Ranger
"...little bit bigger than Maverick, maybe similar to Ranger, maybe a little smaller, as hard to tell, that k..."
The Ford Ranger is a medium-sized truck that’s bigger than small trucks but not as big as the biggest ones. It’s good for carrying things and driving around town or on rough roads.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that sits between the smaller Maverick and larger full-size trucks like the F-150. Known for its balance of capability and maneuverability, it’s a popular choice for those needing more truck utility without going full-size.
skunkworks
""It's that when we talk about this new skunkworks thing, it's been married with the thing that Ford's already really good at.""
A skunkworks is a small group inside a company that works on special projects, often new or secret ideas, separate from the main work.
Skunkworks refers to a small, specialized team within a larger company that works on advanced or innovative projects with a high degree of autonomy and secrecy.
NVH dynamics
""Manufacturing structural analysis, NVH dynamics. Ford's really strong in a bunch of different areas.""
NVH means how much noise and shaking you feel inside a car. Engineers work to make cars quieter and smoother to ride in.
NVH stands for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness. NVH dynamics refers to the study and engineering of how a vehicle manages and minimizes unwanted noise and vibrations to improve ride comfort and perceived quality.
battery size
"Then you go immediately into size of the battery, reducing the size to reduce the cost."
The battery size means how much electricity the car's battery can hold. Bigger batteries let the car go farther but usually cost more.
Battery size in electric vehicles refers to the capacity of the battery pack, which affects the vehicle's driving range and cost. Reducing battery size can lower costs but may reduce range.
battery prices
"battery prices have fallen by like an order of, it's like, since about, I double check this, 15 years, they've gone from like $1,000 per kilowatt hour to now just about, I think Bloomberg is 108."
Battery prices mean how much it costs to make the batteries that power electric cars. These prices have dropped a lot, so electric cars are getting cheaper and easier to buy.
Battery prices refer to the cost per unit of energy storage, typically measured in dollars per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This cost has significantly decreased over the past 15 years, making electric vehicles more affordable and practical.
Tesla Model 3
"...rison in several different ways. Let's call it a Model 3 versus like a Corolla. The power train costs for..."
The Tesla Model 3 is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It can go far on a single charge and has lots of modern features.
The Tesla Model 3 is a popular electric sedan known for its impressive range, performance, and advanced technology. It represents a significant shift toward electric vehicles in the mainstream market.
Toyota Corolla
"...rent ways. Let's call it a Model 3 versus like a Corolla. The power train costs for the Corolla are somew..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it’s easy to keep running and doesn’t use much gas. It’s a simple and dependable car for everyday driving.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling compact cars worldwide, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It’s often used as a benchmark for economical and practical transportation.
transmission
"maybe $2,000 to $3,000 for the transmission. So call it $8,000."
The transmission helps the car change gears so it can go faster or slower.
The transmission is the component that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to change speeds and torque.
Tesla Model Y
"And then in the Model Y batteries make up the largest chunk of the power train."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that uses batteries to run instead of gas, similar to the Model 3 but bigger and with more space.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact all-electric SUV that shares many components with the Model 3, including its electric powertrain and battery technology.
Ford F-150 Lightning
"...u saying you're going to likely have, like with a lightning, a standard and a long range or a larger and a s..."
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric truck that doesn’t use gas. It’s strong and can do many jobs like a regular truck but runs on batteries.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the all-electric version of the popular F-150 pickup, offering strong performance, modern tech, and the utility of a traditional truck with zero emissions.
Ford F150
"going to make, the longest thing you're ever going to make, the shortest thing you're ever going to make, widest, narrowest, and then saying, all right, if I, if I cover an F-150 Raptor width, I'm going to carry this much scar mass and scar massed on all vehicles."
The Ford F-150 is a big truck that many people use for work or carrying heavy stuff. It’s very strong and can do a lot of different jobs.
The Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling full-size pickup truck, renowned for its durability, towing capacity, and versatility. It’s a benchmark in the truck segment and often referenced when discussing truck sizes and capabilities.
Rolls-Royce Rolls Royce Ghost
"...o when BMW put the five series, seven series and Rolls Royce Ghost on the same platform, the five series was really ..."
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a very fancy and expensive car that’s made to be super comfortable and stylish. It’s built with the best materials and is very smooth to ride in.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a luxury sedan that shares a platform with BMW’s 5 and 7 Series but offers unparalleled craftsmanship, comfort, and prestige. It represents the pinnacle of luxury automotive engineering.
Ford Mustang
"...f credit because I remember, I got a, before the Mustang, the Maki came out. When we all heard they were ..."
The Ford Mustang is a fast and stylish car that many people love. It’s been popular for a long time and is known for being fun to drive.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, style, and cultural significance since the 1960s. It’s often discussed for its impact on car culture and its evolution over the decades.
Honda Ridge Line
"...be like, this looks, you know, look at Ridge, the Honda Ridge line, pretty close to a truck. Uh-huh. You know, you ..."
The Honda Ridgeline is a truck that feels more like a car when you drive it. It’s good for carrying things but is easier to drive than big trucks.
The Honda Ridgeline is a unibody pickup truck known for its car-like ride, innovative features, and practicality. It offers a different approach compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
"... to a truck. Uh-huh. You know, you had a Hyundai Santa Cruz reference in the fine print at the bottom of you..."
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a small truck that’s comfortable like an SUV but can carry things in the back. It’s good for everyday use and small jobs.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup truck blending SUV comfort with truck utility, targeting buyers who want a versatile vehicle for urban and light-duty use.
Hyundai Santa
"...ty close to a truck. Uh-huh. You know, you had a Hyundai Santa Cruz reference in the fine print at the bottom of..."
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a medium-sized SUV that’s good for families and carrying stuff. It’s comfortable and has many features.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV offering a comfortable ride, modern features, and good value. It’s often compared to smaller trucks and crossovers for its versatility.
Toyota RAV4
"...u've got a cabin size that's larger than a Toyota RAV4, which is the number one selling SUV in the worl..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that many people buy because it’s reliable and has plenty of space inside. It’s good for families and everyday driving.
The Toyota RAV4 is the world’s best-selling compact SUV, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. It’s a benchmark in the SUV market.
CFD
"So that means we test our vehicle at many different angles in the wind tunnel and in CFD. Oh, interesting. Okay."
CFD is a computer program that helps engineers see how air moves around a car. This helps them design cars that can go faster and use less energy.
CFD stands for Computational Fluid Dynamics, a computer simulation method used to analyze and optimize how air flows around a vehicle. It complements wind tunnel testing to improve aerodynamic design.
Toyota A90
"Okay. And the important thing there is you're very rarely driving with no wind anywhere. Yeah, you might have a 90 degree crosswind that's five miles an hour. Ultimately, that's maybe three degrees of yaw of the air. Boy, I can tell you a story. Yeah, yaw sensitivity is very important."
The Toyota Supra is a sporty car that’s made to go fast and handle well. Many people like it because it’s fun to drive and can be customized.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car celebrated for its performance and tuning potential. It has a strong enthusiast following and is often referenced in discussions about sporty Japanese cars.
Rivian R1T
"...ruck on the marketplace. It's your truck. Rivian R1T at 0.30 coefficient of drag. Oh, really? That's ..."
The Rivian R1T is an electric truck that can drive off-road and has a special shape to help it use less energy. It’s a new kind of truck that runs on batteries.
The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck notable for its off-road capabilities, innovative features, and aerodynamic design with a low drag coefficient. It represents a new wave of electric trucks.
Toyota Prius
"0.25, which would be better than a Prius or a... About the same as a Prius. Prius 0.27, a Taycan or a Model X."
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to save fuel. It’s designed to move through the air easily so it uses less gas.
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid electric vehicle famous for its fuel efficiency and low aerodynamic drag. It has been a benchmark for aerodynamic design in passenger cars.
Porsche Taycan
"Prius 0.27, a Taycan or a Model X. Which one? From the aerodynamics benchmarking,"
The Porsche Taycan is an electric car that goes very fast and is designed to move through the air easily, which helps it save battery power.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric sports sedan known for its performance and aerodynamic efficiency. It is often compared to other electric vehicles for its low drag coefficient.
CDA
"CD is only part of the story. A is the other part of the story. So once you add in CDA,"
CDA is a way to measure how much air pushes against a car when it moves. It looks at both how slippery the car is and how big the front of the car is.
CDA stands for the product of the coefficient of drag (Cd) and the frontal area (A) of a vehicle. It represents the total aerodynamic drag force acting on the vehicle, combining shape and size effects.
Lucid Air
"...u can. Yeah. I remember like, like when, when the Lucid air came out and they were like, it's the most aerod..."
The Lucid Air is a fancy electric car that can go very far on one charge and is designed to be very smooth and efficient.
The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan known for its exceptional aerodynamics, long range, and high-end technology. It competes with premium electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S.
Mercedes-Benz EQS
"...nd then, and then Mercedes was like, actually the EQS is the most. And I was like, I don't have a wind..."
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a very fancy electric car that’s quiet, comfortable, and uses electricity instead of gas. It’s designed to be very smooth and efficient.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a flagship luxury electric sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and aerodynamic efficiency. It aims to set new standards in the electric luxury segment.
Tesla Cybertruck
"... I was like, it looks like this, the angle of the Cybertruck build a cheap car, I guess is what I'm saying. Y..."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new kind of electric truck that looks very different from normal trucks. It’s made to be very tough and powerful.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck with a futuristic design and stainless steel exoskeleton. It’s notable for its unconventional looks and promises of high durability and performance.
Renault Wind
"... have to go look at it holistically, test it in a wind tunnel and, you know, where the roof lands relat..."
The Renault Wind is a small car with a roof that can open up, so you can drive with the wind in your hair. It’s tiny and fun for nice days.
The Renault Wind is a small two-seater convertible known for its unique design and compact size. It’s often discussed in niche European car circles.
BMW M3
"...e same answer I got. I was with Ferrari with the F80, which is a 400 volt battery, which steps down to..."
The BMW M3 is a fancy and fast car that’s good at driving on twisty roads. It’s more powerful than regular cars and feels sporty.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the 3 Series, known for its sporty handling and powerful engines. It’s a benchmark in the luxury sports sedan segment.
autonomy
"technology, EVs, like we're seeing it in everything from autonomy to humanoid robots, to EVs, right? Everywhere."
Autonomy means cars that can drive themselves or help the driver by controlling steering, braking, and acceleration.
Autonomy in cars refers to self-driving or driver-assist technologies that allow vehicles to operate with little or no human input. This is a rapidly developing area in automotive innovation.
innovation
"Yeah. And innovation is the only thing that will help us win. Right. And, you know, you have to take risk to innovate."
Innovation means coming up with new ideas and better ways to make cars and technology work.
Innovation in the automotive industry refers to developing new technologies, designs, and methods to improve vehicles, such as electric powertrains, autonomous driving, and advanced manufacturing.
powertrain
"because that is going to be the actual biggest thing in our lifetime from, forget the powertrain side. The fact that you just don't have to drive anymore."
Powertrain means the parts of the car that make it move, like the engine and transmission.
Powertrain refers to the components that generate power and deliver it to the road, including the engine, transmission, driveshafts, and differentials.
Ford Ranchero
"... 3. Okay. Name of the truck and it's going to be Ranchero, right? It's going to be Ranchero. You guys regis..."
The Ford Ranchero was a car that had a truck bed in the back, so you could carry things but still drive like a car. It was popular a long time ago.
The Ford Ranchero was a coupe utility vehicle produced from the 1950s to the 1970s, combining car-like comfort with a pickup bed. It’s a classic example of a car-truck hybrid popular in its era.
Ford Falcon
"...You're kicking it off. What's the Australian ute? Falcon. Falcon. F. You guys like Fs. Well, Ford loved E..."
The Ford Falcon is a type of car that was very popular in Australia. Some versions were like small trucks used for work and fun.
The Ford Falcon is a nameplate used by Ford in various markets, notably Australia, where it was a popular ute (pickup-style vehicle). It holds cultural significance in Australian automotive history.
Honda Crv
"...ehind RAV4 and kind of maybe a little bit behind CRV. So it's probably like that factory could do 300,..."
The Honda CR-V is a small SUV that’s good for families because it’s reliable and doesn’t use too much gas. It’s easy to drive and has plenty of space.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV known for its reliability, practicality, and fuel efficiency. It competes closely with the Toyota RAV4 and is a popular choice for families.
Byd Shark 6
"...his Ranchero against the Hilux or against the BYD shark, or like how like elbows out through this car to..."
The BYD Shark 6 is an electric car made in China that can go far on a charge. It’s a newer car that many people are starting to notice.
The BYD Shark 6 is an electric vehicle from Chinese automaker BYD, known for its modern design and competitive electric range. It represents the growing presence of Chinese EVs in global markets.
Toyota Hilux
"...ou going to try to sell this Ranchero against the Hilux or against the BYD shark, or like how like elbow..."
The Toyota Hilux is a strong and tough truck that many people use for work and rough roads. It’s known for lasting a long time and being very reliable.
The Toyota Hilux is a rugged and reliable pickup truck popular worldwide, especially known for its durability in tough conditions. It’s often compared to other global trucks in utility and toughness.
ECU
"Or it could be, you know, other ECUs. It could be stuff. Yeah."
An ECU is a small computer in a car that helps control how the engine and other parts work to keep the car running smoothly.
An ECU (Engine Control Unit) is an electronic control unit that manages various functions of a vehicle's engine and other systems. Modern vehicles often have multiple ECUs controlling different aspects like powertrain, safety, and infotainment.
EV
"For an EV, you have to design an entirely new charge port."
An EV is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. You charge it by plugging it in.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, a type of car powered entirely or primarily by electricity stored in batteries instead of gasoline or diesel fuel.
frunk
"because they can't figure it out, because they want to have a frunk. But then where do you put the engine?"
A frunk is a storage space in the front of a car where the engine usually is, common in electric cars.
A frunk is a front trunk, a storage compartment located at the front of a vehicle, typically found in electric vehicles that lack a traditional engine in the front.
ground clearance
"like, how do you put an engine under the back of an SUV with ground clearance? Do you get delayed with something?"
Ground clearance is how high a car sits off the ground, which helps it drive over bumps or rough roads.
Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle and the ground, important for off-road capability and avoiding obstacles.
model variation
"Tesla's famous for reducing model variation. They would just have a handful of vehicles like Standard, right? Long range or performance."
Model variation means the different types or versions of a car that a company sells, like basic or sport versions.
Model variation refers to the different versions or trims of a vehicle model offered by a manufacturer, such as different performance levels, ranges, or features.
Ford Model T
"...ng as the stainless steel, which is a riff on the Model T. Are you going to be deploying similar tactics t..."
The Ford Model T was one of the first cars ever made that many people could buy. It helped make cars popular and easy to get.
The Ford Model T is a historic automobile produced from 1908 to 1927, credited with popularizing the assembly line and making cars affordable to the masses. It’s often referenced as the car that started the automotive revolution.
Tesla Model S
"... think also, certainly when Tesla started in the Model S days and the Roadster days, there was no benchmar..."
The Tesla Model S is a fancy electric car that can go a long way on one charge and is very fast. It has lots of smart features inside.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury electric sedan that revolutionized the EV market with its long range, high performance, and advanced technology. It remains a key model in Tesla’s lineup.
Tesla Roadster
"...y when Tesla started in the Model S days and the Roadster days, there was no benchmarks. There was nothing ..."
The Tesla Roadster is an electric sports car that was the first car Tesla made. It showed people that electric cars can be fast and exciting.
The Tesla Roadster was Tesla’s first production car, an all-electric sports car that helped establish Tesla’s reputation for electric performance vehicles. It set early benchmarks for electric range and acceleration.
Honda F1
"He had Honda F1 as an intern."
Honda F1 means Honda's racing team or engines in the fastest car racing competition called Formula 1.
Honda F1 refers to Honda's involvement in Formula 1 racing, either as an engine supplier or a team, showcasing advanced automotive technology and engineering.
Audi 5000
"...So really, really lucky. My first car was an Audi 5000. Yeah. Front wheel drive, five cylinder, nice 10..."
The Audi 5000 was a fancy car from many years ago with a special engine. Some people remember it because of problems it had, but it was nice for its time.
The Audi 5000 was a mid-size luxury car from the 1980s and early 1990s, known for its five-cylinder engine and advanced features for the time. It has a mixed reputation due to past unintended acceleration controversies.
Audi Quattro
"...er that, I really got into a car called the Coop Quattro, which is just, you know, posters everywhere, got..."
The Audi Quattro is a sporty car that can drive on all wheels, which helps it go fast and stay safe on slippery roads. It was very important in racing.
The Audi Quattro is a legendary all-wheel-drive sports car that revolutionized rally racing and performance cars. It’s celebrated for its handling and technological innovation.
Mercedes-Benz CLS
"...lls me he helped actually like take the Mercedes CLS. CLS is a part. Yeah. Okay. So you guys were like..."
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a fancy car that looks sporty but has four doors like a regular car. It’s good if you want style and space.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a luxury four-door coupe known for blending sporty styling with sedan practicality. It helped create a new segment of stylish executive cars.
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